Book Review of Happy Jack – Sad Jack: A Bullying Story
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The Children’s Book Review

Written by Mark M. Bello

Illustrated by Melinda. T. Falgoust

Ages 3-10 | 36 Pages

Publisher: 8Grand Publications | ISBN-13: 9781956595048

What to Expect: Starting school, bullying, racism, self-advocacy, allyship

Jack is a very happy boy, and he’s glad to be starting kindergarten. But then, on the first day of school, another boy pushes Jack—for no reason other than the color of Jack’s skin. Jack becomes more and more unhappy until finally, his parents take him to the school principal, who urges him to explain what is wrong. Even though Jack has been taught not to tattle, he bravely shares his troubles with Principal Lou. Soon, the bully has been expelled from school and Jack is able to be happy and enjoy kindergarten again! Jack learns that the most important thing is to make your voice heard when you are being bullied.

Through gentle rhyming text and rhythmic lines, Happy Jack – Sad Jack demonstrates how readers can cope with bullying and racism when they encounter them in school. The setting—the first days of kindergarten—is relatable and familiar, helping readers to see themselves in the story. Although the help of adults can seem far away and inaccessible, this story shows readers that help is available if they can find the courage to speak out. Beautiful pencil illustrations bring the story to life and invite readers to study the characters’ expressions and emotions as they navigate the challenges of bullying.

Overall, Happy Jack – Sad Jack is a virtuous story for teaching young readers how to advocate for themselves against bullies.

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About the Author

Mark Bello is an attorney, civil justice advocate, award-winning author of the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series, and co-host of the “Justice Counts” podcast. One of the first to sue the Catholic Church over sexual abuse, Bello draws upon 44 years of courtroom experience and a passion for justice to write captivating novels and hard-hitting commentaries.

Learn more at www.markmbello.com and visit his Amazon Author Central page.

About the Illustrator

Melinda Taliancich Falgoust is an author, illustrator,  elementary educator, and working actor on both stage and screen.  She often reaches into her actor’s “bag-of-tricks” to introduce a cast of colorful and quirky characters who help bring her books and presentations to life!  Her work has garnered five-star reviews and awards around the world. She can frequently be seen presenting at book festivals and conferences such as the Orange County Children’s Book Festival and the Picayune Writers’ Symposium.

Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored, non-biased review of Happy Jack – Sad Jack: A Bullying Story. Learn more about getting a book review …